Implications of shift from processing trade to general trade

For a while now, China's foreign trade has been shifting from processing trade to general trade.

Processing trade involves Chinese importers of raw materials who process them in China and then export the produced goods, riding export-friendly regulations and related infrastructure like special export zones.

Now, however, new forms of general trade are creating more value. Over the past decade, Chinese exporters have shipped more products via cross-border e-commerce channels. They have also begun to provide customized products to customers across the world.